Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect wherein a hole is present in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart (atria). It can vary in size and may close on its own or may require surgery.

Signs & Symptoms of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Shortness of breath, especially when exercising
Fatigue
Swelling of legs, feet, or abdomen
Heart palpitations or skipped beats (arrhythmia)
Frequent lung infections
Stroke
Heart murmur

Treatment of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

In kids with very small ASDs, the defect may close on its own. However, larger ASDs usually do not close on their own and must be treated medically.

Open Heart Surgery

The surgeon may be able to directly close the hole with sutures or depending on the size and shape of the hole, it may need closing with a patch.

Cardiac Catheterization

A catheter, which is a thin flexible tube, is guided to the heart through a blood vessel in the groin using imaging techniques. A mash patch or plug is placed to close the hole with the help of the catheter.